Streams of Comfort

This is part 1 of a short story I am writing on the topic of revenge. It is natural for us as humans to seek revenge for wrongs done to us, but that is not how God calls us to handle wrongdoing. He tells us the vengeance is his. (Deut. 32:35) And honestly that is hard for us to accept when we are in pain and want justice now. We were truly wronged, but we cannot clearly see what true justice is for our situation. As you read this short story I pray that you are encouraged to trust God, and allow him to draw you towards forgiveness while letting go of seeking vengeance on your own.

I open my eyes at the sound of his voice. “My friend, may I present you with a riddle?” I feel ill at ease because I don’t recall falling asleep. My eyes gain their focus and lock onto the man they call the Conqueror. He has earned quite the reputation in these parts. Taking over castles and lands both near and far, and it looks like he has now come for Dark Castle. The room is quiet as he waits for me to respond. We are the only two people in this throne room and within the entire castle for that matter. “Oh Conqueror,” I finally respond. Looking down at him from my throne made of stone. “Have you come to conquer me too? I’m afraid that there is not much to be desired here, in this dark castle.” He takes a step closer. “I have not come to conqueror but to offer you a new way of life.” “Yes,” I agree. “A new way of life under your authority. I heard that is what you told the other rulers now under your power. Where is your army?” I motion to the empty hall and the red carpet behind him. He smiles gently. “ I have no need of an army, as I have come to offer you freedom.”

He is an unassuming and honest looking man. Of average weight and height with no remarkable features except for his eyes. Shocking eyes really, that look as if they contain the entire galaxy within them. Eyes that make me want to trust him. “I must let you know,” I warned him. “That Dark Castle is an abandoned castle with no subjects. The only person under my rule is myself, and there is very little light in this region.” This region is plagued by a never ending overcast that blocks the sun, and the sconces that line the walls of the castle provide very little light with their thin flames. Which is why past subjects called this castle, Dark Castle. But I don’t believe that the castle was always this way. In the history archives, it tells of a time when this castle was once full of light. “I can bring light back to this castle” he exclaims. I look at him with a mixture of curiosity and distrust. “You can bring light back to this dark castle?” “Yes,” he responds with confidence that makes me want to believe it to be possible. “How?” I inquire. “Answer me this riddle, and I will show you.” He bows. The respect he extends me takes me by surprise. Why would the great conqueror bow to me? The lonely ruler of an abandoned castle surrounded by darkness. Who will inevitably fall under his rule. I sit up straighter on the throne and motion for him to go ahead. My heart beat quickening with anticipation.

End of Part 1